Matthew 17:10-13
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The disciples aren't just confused about Elijah; they're trying to reconcile this supernatural appearance with their understanding of how the Messiah's arrival should happen, according to the religious leaders. Their question reveals how deeply ingrained the scribes' interpretations were, even for those closest to Jesus.
And the disciples asked him, “Then why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?” He answered, “Elijah does come, and he will restore all things. But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man will certainly suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Moments after witnessing Jesus transfigured in glory alongside Moses and Elijah, his disciples are left reeling, especially by Elijah's sudden disappearance. Their confusion grows as they recall the common teaching among Jewish scholars that Elijah must appear before the Messiah, and they wonder how this brief visitation fits with that expectation. Jesus then sets out to explain the true fulfillment of this prophecy, connecting it to John the Baptist and revealing a deeper meaning beyond their initial understanding.
After witnessing Jesus' dazzling glory on the mountain, a puzzling question arises for the disciples. It wasn't about Jesus' identity, but about an Old Testament prophecy they thought had been missed.
The disciples have just seen Jesus transfigured, revealing His divine glory. Yet, their minds immediately jump to a common teaching among the Jewish scribes: that the prophet Elijah had to come before the Messiah.
They recall Elijah's brief appearance and sudden departure during the transfiguration. This sparks their question: 'If Jesus is the Messiah, and Elijah is supposed to come first, how does this fit? Did Elijah come? Why the secrecy about it?'
This shows their understanding of prophecy was still being shaped. They were grappling with how current events, like the transfiguration and Elijah's appearance, aligned with established expectations for the Messiah's arrival.
The scribes had a specific idea about Elijah's role. But Jesus' ministry, and even His glory, pointed to a deeper, more complex fulfillment of prophecy than they imagined.
The scribes interpreted the prophecies (like Malachi's) literally: Elijah would physically return to announce the Messiah's grand, public arrival and kingdom. They anticipated a clear, unmistakable sign that the Messiah had come.
However, Jesus' explanation, as revealed in the verses that follow Matthew 17:10, points to John the Baptist as the fulfillment of this Elijah-like role. John, filled with the 'spirit and power of Elijah,' came to prepare the way, but not in the grand, political, kingdom-establishing way the scribes expected.
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This highlights a key theme: God's ways of fulfilling prophecy often transcend human expectations. The scribes focused on the 'when' and 'how' of Elijah's return, missing the true 'who' and 'why' of his mission in preparing hearts for Jesus.
Understand the original words
grammateis · Greek Noun
Experts in the Mosaic Law who studied, interpreted, and taught the Scriptures to the people. By the time of the New Testament, they held significant authority in Jewish religious life.
Ēlias · Greek Proper Noun
A great Old Testament prophet known for his zeal for the Lord. According to Malachi 4:5, it was expected that he would return before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord, a prophecy fulfilled in the ministry of John the Baptist.
Ēlias · Greek Proper Noun
The great prophet of the Northern Kingdom who was promised to return before the coming of the Lord. He represents the prophetic office and serves as a precursor to the Messiah.
apokathistēmi · Greek Verb
To bring back to a former state, put right, or reorganize. In a prophetic context, it refers to the spiritual preparation and renewal of Israel in anticipation of the Messiah's kingdom.
ho huios tou anthrōpou · Greek Noun Phrase
The Messianic title used by Jesus, derived from Daniel 7:13-14. It highlights both his humanity and his divine authority as the heavenly King who suffers for his people.
paschein · Greek Verb
To endure pain, harm, or difficulty. In the New Testament, it is specifically used to describe the divine necessity of Christ’s passion and death for the redemption of humanity.
The disciples' question arises from a common Jewish expectation, shaped by scribal interpretation of Malachi's prophecy, that Elijah would *personally* appear before the Messiah. They are confused because Elijah *did* appear during the transfiguration, yet this event was kept secret and Elijah vanished, seemingly contradicting the popular understanding of Elijah's preparatory role.
c. 400 BC
End of Old Testament Prophecy
The last of the Old Testament prophets, likely Malachi, delivers his message, including the prophecy of Elijah's return.
Between 400 BC and 1st Century AD
Development of Jewish Tradition
Jewish scribes and scholars interpret prophecies, particularly from Malachi, leading to a widespread belief that Elijah would personally return before the Messiah.
Early 1st Century AD
Ministry of John the Baptist Begins
John the Baptist starts his public ministry, preaching repentance in the wilderness and baptizing people.
c. AD 28
John the Baptist Identified as Elijah
Jesus declares that John the Baptist is the Elijah who was to come, fulfilling the prophecy in a spiritual sense.
c. AD 29— this verse
Transfiguration of Jesus
Jesus is transfigured before Peter, James, and John, with Moses and Elijah appearing and speaking with him.
This is the primary Old Testament prophecy that the scribes were referencing, foretelling the coming of Elijah before the 'great and dreadful day of the Lord,' which they connected to the Messiah's arrival.
Matthew 11:14Jesus directly identifies John the Baptist as the Elijah who was to come, explaining the fulfillment of the prophecy that the disciples were questioning here.
Mark 9:11-13This parallel passage from Mark describes the same event and the disciples' question, showing their confusion about Elijah's role and whether he had already come.
Luke 1:17This verse describes John the Baptist's ministry as being in the 'spirit and power of Elijah,' further supporting the idea that Elijah's coming was fulfilled in John.
henryMatthew 17:1-13: "And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,"
17:1-13 Now the disciples beheld somewhat of Christ's glory, as of the only begotten of the Father. It was intended to support their faith, when they would have to witness his crucifixion; and would give them an idea of the glory prepared for them, when changed by his power and made like him. The apostles were overcome by the glorious sight. Peter thought that…
barnesMatthew 17:10: "And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come?"
See also Mark 9:11-13 . Why then say the scribes ... - The disciples appear to have been satisfied now that he was the Messiah. The transfiguration had taken away all their doubts, but they recollected that it was a common doctrine among the Jews that Elijah would appear before the Messiah came, and they did not then recollect that he had appeared. To this difficulty the word then refers.…
The disciples aren't just confused about Elijah; they're trying to reconcile this supernatural appearance with their understanding of how the Messiah's arrival should happen, according to the religious leaders. Their question reveals how deeply ingrained the scribes' interpretations were, even for those closest to Jesus.
Moments after witnessing Jesus transfigured in glory alongside Moses and Elijah, his disciples are left reeling, especially by Elijah's sudden disappearance. Their confusion grows as they recall the common teaching among Jewish scholars that Elijah must appear before the Messiah, and they wonder how this brief visitation fits with that expectation. Jesus then sets out to explain the true fulfillment of this prophecy, connecting it to John the Baptist and revealing a deeper meaning beyond their initial understanding.
Moments after witnessing Jesus transfigured in glory alongside Moses and Elijah, his disciples are left reeling, especially by Elijah's sudden disappearance. Their confusion grows as they recall the common teaching among Jewish scholars that Elijah must appear before the Messiah, and they wonder how this brief visitation fits with that expectation. Jesus then sets out to explain the true fulfillment of this prophecy, connecting it to John the Baptist and revealing a deeper meaning beyond their initial understanding.
"And the disciples asked him, “Then why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?” He answered, “Elijah does come, and he will restore all things. But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but did to…" — The disciples aren't just confused about Elijah; they're trying to reconcile this supernatural appearance with their understanding of how the Messiah's arrival should happen, according to the relig…
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Last reviewed October 2026
